We’re hoping to answer your questions before you even ask them! Please find below some of the most common questions we hear at NSDC.
Q: What is amethyst?
A: Amethyst is a precious stone. It has a purple colour which is why we’re so fond of it here at Northern Stars!
Q: What are Performance Levels?
A: Performance Levels are used to categorize dancers by their experience and ability. The three Performance Levels used at Northern Stars are Novice, Competitive and Advanced Competitive.
Q: How is the Performance Level determined?
A: Studio directors are asked to use their discretion and select a Performance Level for their dancers based on the following guidelines:
Novice (beginner dancers)
Solo – Dancer has never competed in a solo & has no more than 1 year of competitive experience in group routines.
Duet/Trio – Two or three of the dancers have never competed in either solo, D/T or group routines.
Group – First year of competitive dance for most of the dancers in the group.
Competitive (intermediate dancers)
Dancers who dance 5 hours per week or less and/or have been competing for 3 years or less.
Advanced Competitive (advanced dancers)
Dancers who dance more than 5 hours per week and/or have been competing for more than 3 years.
Northern Stars reserves the right to move dancers to a higher Performance Level if they’ve been misplaced. We will NOT move dancers to a lower Performance Level once the competition has started so please take care when submitting your entry information.
Q: Why choose Northern Stars Dance Competition?
1) The BEST staff around! Friendly, accommodating and helpful – At NSDC every dancer, studio, teacher and parent is important to us.
2) Up to 175 Overalls awarded at every competition including cash prizes & scholarship awards.
3) Our lively, fun & encouraging emcee will keep you entertained all weekend.
4) Professional venues.
5) More than just ribbons! At NSDC, dancers receive beautiful crystal trophies for each routine.
6) Qualified, well-balanced adjudicator panels & a dedicated Special Awards Judge.
7) Video Judge commentary & videos available online right away & DVDs mailed directly to your studio.
8) Lots of giveaways & door prizes + studio directors gift bags.
9) Organized and always on-time!
10) All the small things – We put a lot of effort into the little details when planning our events to ensure a fun and fair competition experience that you’ll always treasure.
11) The Northern Stars DANCE OFF! An unforgettable & exciting part of every weekend, the Valerie Copeland Memorial Award is our top honour!
Q: How does the Scoring System work at NSDC?
The NSDC scoring system varies depending on the Performance Level of the dancers.
Novice dancers can earn our Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire & Amethyst awards with lower scores than the Competitive dancers need. And in the same way, Competitive dancers can earn these awards with lower scores than the Advanced Competitive dancers need.
For example, a dancer receives a total score of 88/100.
If the dancer is Novice, he/she would receive a Diamond award.
If the dancer is Competitive, he/she would receive an Emerald award.
If the dancer is Advanced Competitive, he/she would receive an Sapphire award.
Please visit our Scoring & Awards page to see the full scoring systems used at Northern Stars.
Q: Does every dancer receive an award?
A: Absolutely! Every routine & every dancer will receive an award for each of their routines.
Q: How many overall awards are given at each competition?
A: Northern Stars awards overall prizes at each of our Performance Levels. The total number of overalls awarded depends on the number of entries in each overall category. Typically, 175 overalls are awarded at each weekend.
Q: A dancer is competing in a solo category for the first time but has previously competed in duet/trio and/or group routines. Should their solo be entered at the Novice Performance Level?
A: Yes, so long as the dancer has no more than one year of previous competitive experience. If the dancer has competed in duet/trio and/or group routines for more than one year, their solo would not be considered Novice.
Q: As a dance parent, where can I find the schedule for the weekend and when will it be available?
A: Please contact your Studio Director for scheduling information.
The first draft of the schedule is sent to the Studio Directors one month before the competition. Once we’ve received corrections, updates and quick-change conflicts back from each studio, we create a revised schedule and send the final version back to the Studio Directors. Our goal is to have the final schedule back to the studios no later than one week prior to the competition.
Q: My dancer(s) won’t be able to compete on Fri/Sat/Sun due to another event or commitment. Can Northern Stars accommodate their schedule?
A: At NSDC we do our very best to accommodate your scheduling requests. However, in order to maintain a fair and conflict-free schedule for ALL studios, it’s not always possible & we appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Q: Can Northern Stars mail/deliver our trophies to the studio?
A: Unfortunately, NSDC is not able to mail or deliver awards. Please make sure a studio representative is present at each adjudication & at the overall awards ceremony.
Still have a question? We’d be happy to hear from you so give us a call, send us an email or even write us a letter! You can find our contact info by clicking here.
